Community Access Planning services support clients with disability to build their independence and develop support networks by connecting them with meaningful community engagement and recreation opportunities. Community Access Planning is often delivered by recreational specialists.

Community Access Planning supports may include:

• identifying client recreation goals and interests
• assessing client support needs to enable participation in community-based recreation activities
• linking clients into mainstream recreation activities or supported community access services such as Community Group Programs
• monitoring client participation in community activities to ensure program suitability
• planning and coordinating logistics, supports and costs for holidays alongside clients and their support networks.

The TAC can pay for the reasonable cost of approved Community Access Planning services provided to TAC clients who, due to their transport accident-related disability, require short term support to identify, coordinate and connect with community engagement or recreational opportunities. Prior written approval for Community Access Planning services must be provided by the TAC before payment for services can be made.

The TAC will pay the reasonable cost of Community Access Planning services including:

• assessment of client needs and goals in collaboration with relevant treaters, such as occupational therapists
• development and implementation of Community Access Plans
• the reasonable cost of necessary provider travel
• completion of client progress reports requested by the TAC.

• Community Access Planning for clients who do not meet eligibility requirements
• services provided by persons who do not meet Community Access Planning Provider Guidelines
• services that exceed a reasonable duration
• client goals that have not been approved by the TAC
• activity costs associated with participation in recreational activities such as entry fees, materials or activity equipment
• holiday expenses which are not directly related to the client’s transport accident-related support needs, such as flights, accommodation, food and entertainment.

The TAC requires an initial request for a Community Access Planning services in writing from the client or the client’s family, treater or support provider.

If the client is entitled to the service and the support is reasonable, clinically justified and outcome focused, the TAC will approve the service. Once approved, the Community Access Planning provider must complete the Community Access Plan: Initial Plan and Request for Funding form before the start date of the requested program.

The TAC may request written client progress reports to monitor client progress toward approved goals.

Service Standards

It is expected that Community Access Planning services:

• Incorporate person-centred, strength-based approaches
  Recognising that the participant is the expert in their own circumstances, client engagement should be maximised to ensure support is tailored to individual goals, strengths and interests.
• Promote client independence
  Community Access Planning should aim to build the client’s capacity to plan, coordinate and engage recreation opportunities independently where possible. Providers should avoid client dependence by performing activities on the client’s behalf only when necessary. For clients who require significant support, the Community Access Planners may work towards empowering the client to lead in incremental stages:
  • First Phase – Do for
    In isolation from the client, the planner contacts recreation service providers to discuss the client’s requirements.
  • Second Phase – Do with
    In the presence of the client, the Community Access Planners contacts the service to organise the client’s participation.
  • Third Phase – Do for themself
    The client identifies and engages a recreation opportunity with support. Once the client has developed capacity to complete tasks independently, the Community Access Planner oversees transition of remaining support requirements to attendant care or the client’s natural supports.
• Are goal-oriented and time-limited
  Community Access Planning is a point-in-time intervention to assist in the achievement of recreation or community participation goals. It is expected that providers plan for clients to be transitioned out of the support as goals are achieved. While service duration will vary, the TAC expects that in most cases, Community Access Planning services will not exceed 6 months.
• Are delivered in an appropriate format by providers with necessary skills and specialised knowledge

Providers are expected to:

• be equipped with specialised skills and knowledge directly related to client goals
• deliver services face-to-face.

Registration

Qualifications

Providers of Community Access Planning must have:

• a minimum Certificate IV in either Disability or Recreation Studies
• at least three years of relevant experience in working with people with disability.

Safeguarding

TAC Safer Services Support provides TAC clients and the community a pathway to raise concerns or complaints about the quality and safety of TAC funded services.

Reporting

Approved Community Access Planning providers must complete the Community Access Plan: Initial Plan and Request for Funding form before the start date of the requested program.

The TAC may request written client progress reports to monitor client progress toward approved goals.

1. Entitled:

A client is entitled to Community Access Planning if:

• the TAC has accepted liability for the accident-related disability that relates to the Community Access Planning service
• The client requires short term support to identify, coordinate and connect with community engagement or recreational opportunities.

2. Reasonable:

When determining whether Community Access Planning services are reasonable in the circumstances, the TAC considers several factors, including:

• if the service is necessary because:
  • the client is unable to independently identify, plan and connect with recreation opportunities
  • the client’s natural support system (family, friends) is unable to support the client to achieve their community access goals
  • the support cannot be provided by an attendant carer.
• If the cost of the service is reasonable in relation to the Community Access Planners fee schedule.

3. Clinical Justification:

When deciding if Community Access Planning is clinically justified, the TAC considers whether:

• the support is recommended by the client’s treating team (e.g. General Practitioner, occupational therapist or psychologist)
• the requested hours of support are appropriate for the client’s condition and transport accident-related injury goals. In general, the TAC expects that most clients will not require Community Access Planning for longer than 6 months.

When considering requests for additional support hours, the TAC considers whether:

• the effectiveness of the support has been measured
• the support provider has adopted a biopsychosocial approach
• the provider has taken steps to build client independence and self-management
• the support aligns with client goals
• the support is based on best available research and evidence, including through compliance with the Community Access Planning Service Standards.

4. Outcome Focused:

When deciding if Community Access Planning services are outcome focused, the TAC considers whether:

• the service is progressing or achieving the referral goals
• the service promotes self-management and independence
• the support approach is adapted to the client’s progress, including tapering of services as the client develops skills to access the community independently.